The Old Kingdom: The Mirrored Clouds of the Nevvaran Conference

2025-12-27

Transit

There are several companies that provide Mirrored Clouds cruises. The differences are significant, so I won’t bother detailing each, save to give you some options:

If you’re on a budget, consider the Royal Vizier Cruise or Whitesky Tours. Both are quite reasonably priced, and provide comfortable accommodations and amenities. Whitesky Tours manages to keep costs low by reducing the number of stops on the cruise, making it much shorter than most other tours, while still making sure you see the most spectacular parts of the Mirrored Clouds. I personally prefer Royal Vizier, as they keep costs low by cutting back on luxuries such as on-board entertainment and high-end meals. This makes a Royal Vizier cruise much less ostentatious than other cruises, and more like a train service.

If you have the money to spend, however, Gold Zephyr Cruises will provide you a significant amount of bang for your buck. Their cruise-balloons are spacious, well stocked, and the company spares no expense in providing a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere for their patrons. Their food is top notch, with chefs trained in multiple regional cuisines and fresh produce flown in daily. Wistlian Cruises is another impressive choice, with their proprietary “Skyferry” balloons providing one of the smoothest air-rides I’ve ever experienced, with impressive amounts of room; well worth the price if you tend to get air-sick or are sensitive to enclosed spaces.

If you want to see as much of the Mirrored Clouds as possible, the Windsurf Yellow cruise-line offers a “see it all” package, which spends a full month traveling to every notable sightseeing landmark in the Nevvaran Conference, bypassing some of the common towns. On the other side of the coin, they also provide a “meet the people” package, which spends a month and a half going from city to city and giving you two days in each to explore and see the sights.

The Mirrored Clouds

It must seem odd to see a section devoted to the Mushroom Palace of Porra, as I clearly expressed my intention to introduce the less well-known places of our fantastical world. I doubt there are many people who haven’t dreamed of going on a Mirrored Cloud Cruise. Being carried aloft in a cruise-balloon, looking down on the world from the observation spheres and wandering the outer decks to feel the wind in your face — there is a powerful romance to it all. Add to that the experience of seeing the Mirrored Clouds, and it is no wonder why the Nevvaran Conference is the most popular cruise destination in the world.

The Nevvaran Conference is the oldest province in the Old Kingdom, with its first historical reference dating to back before the Crusade of the Iron King. It is not, however, the province with the oldest towns or architecture; the history of the Nevvaran Conference is tumultuous, with many migrations and ghost towns due to natural disaster, economic catastrophe, war, and disease. As such, the oldest towns in the Nevvaran Conference are only a century old at most.

Regardless of the towns’ history, there are few places in the world of more breathtaking beauty than the Mirrored Clouds. A tourist destination of unparalleled vistas and sight

Cumulus Alley

The longest stretch of the Mirrored Clouds, most tours will make Cumulus Alley one of their first destinations. It is Cumulus Alley that most people think of when they think of the Mirrored Clouds, as its picturesque views are second to none.

Cumulus Alley is also famous for its “puffs,” tiny clouds no bigger than a soft-ball. Most every tour will call out opportunities to come out onto the observation deck and catch puffs in your hands. It is a brief encounter — puffs are fragile things, barely more solid than smoke — but there are few experiences in the world that compare to that fleeting touch of the intangible.

The Luminescent

The Luminescent is the colloquial name of a long stretch of space between Teiwein and Merribung Peak, free of large mountain ranges or other obstacles to a remarkable view. This stretch is sometimes called the Cloud Sea, as the climate ensures there are always clouds beneath your vessel stretching off to the horizon.

Professionally, the Luminescent is the aeronautical name for a small stretch of the Cloud Sea where the setting autumn sun is perpendicular to the prevailing winds. This stretch has spiritual significance to a large number of religions, being a place where multiple gods call home, several spiritual transcendences, and a location of oracular importance.

This region is home to large flocks of a wide variety of birds, and the unique-to-the-region flying-eel. Flying-eels love to play in thermals and air-currents, causing them to hop up and down through the clouds like fish in the sea. Whenever you in the open air while traveling through the Luminescent, keep an eye out for these playful birds.

The Whisper Wisps

Schools of whisper wisps are a semi-common sight in the Mirrored Clouds, and most cruises will inform you when they are passing through one. While most every cruise will give you a reminder, I would feel remiss if I didn’t also say that no matter what you think you hear, whisper wisps do not speak in any known language. The sounds they make may remind you of a word you know or sound similar to a voice you remember, but it is all coincidence. No linguist, zoologist, climatologist, sage, or wise-folk have ever found whisper wisps to be anything more than an auditory curiosity.

The Statue of Alishar

Created by the Powdered Duke some three generations after the founding of Morlastig’gna, the statue was built to honor the life of who is now a most controversial historical figure, Alishar Broomhaven, the Monarch of Kwiin, Bloodletter of Skvolgard, Apex of the Royal Spear, and Holder of the Nine Worlds of Weirt.

Much has been written about the crimes of Alishar, such that even the most blind of historians refuse to speak his name without a great deal of caveats, concessions, and careful covering of their own liabilities. Travesties such as the Culling of the Herds, which resulted in the Great Famine of Kwiin; or the March of Tin and Sulfur, which saw three hundred and thirty-two thousand individuals displaced, killed, or imprisoned; mar the histories of all who lived under the reign of Alishar.

The Powdered Duke, however, wished to honor the lord who beat back the Red Tide, defended the borders of Flororenghashst, and provided sanctuary to folk of all cultures and creeds during the War of Tribulation. Indeed, historians are divided on how best to report on the histories and realities of Alishar Broomhaven, as for every individual whose life was made measurably worse by his reign, at least one exists who owes their livelihood to his generosity. Perhaps he was both a monster and a hero. Perhaps there is little difference between the two.

The Statue of Alishar, currently erected atop the Purple Gulch on the Western Edge of Roshkana, embodies this dichotomous legacy. The statue itself measures over sixty feet tall, made from bronze and polished marble. Alishar’s sword and shield are held in one hand, propped up by his leg, while his other hand is open and forward, as if to recieve a gift. The face is at once stern and calm, a face of quiet strength. He is depicted in his Grand Armor, complete with cowl, though the cowl itself is wrapped about his neck.

Study of the statue has proven that the sculptor was less welcoming of the idea that Alishar was worthy of praise, and placed several subversive clues in their work. The sword is scarred and lightly cracked, such that any smith worth their salt would recognize the sword as in grave danger of shattering the moment it met shield. The cowl, wrapped as it is around Alishar’s throat, has a small tear in the nose, a choice that regional scholars insist is a specific and pointed slur on his character. Perhaps most impressive, the sculptor managed to sculpt the face of Alishar in such a manner that when viewed directly or from above, the face looks cold and domineering; while when viewed from below — the orientation everyone would view it at, when completed — the face looks confused or foolish.

The lower portion of the statue has been subjected to a great deal of vandalization and graffiti from those who were harmed by Alishar’s reign. While such defacement was once regularly removed, the locals now allow the markings to remain, to help accentuate the controversial nature of Alishar and his history.

Cloud Marlin

Cloud Marlin is the largest cloud in the whole of the Mirrored Clouds. Having achieved a miraculous kind of equilibrium, Cloud Marlin spans over ten square miles in the south of the Nevvaran Conference.

Of particular note is the north-eastern edge of Cloud Marlin, which hangs over the Crown of Stone, a centuries old caldera of a once mighty volcano. Erosion and precipitant sedimentation has turned the once flat rim of the large caldera into a jagged collection of mountain peaks that break through the upper bounds of Cloud Marlin. This region is of particular spiritual significance to the sun-worshiping Gotshemi religion, and is the origin of their ten-month calender.

Any tour that travels through Cloud Marlin will certainly slow down near the Crown of Stone, and give you the chance to observe this fabulous landmark.

Madam Fulminance

Madam Fulminance is perhaps one of the most important reasons to go on a cruise of the Mirrored Clouds.

Measuring 48 meters (157.5 feet) in length, Madam Fulminance is the largest Cloud-whale in the whole of the world. Zoologists estimate she has lived for over three-hundred years, and has claimed the distance from Keeleemunch Ston to the eastern ocean as her own. While this territory is expansive, it is a rare cruise that doesn’t catch a glimpse of Madam Fulminance, much less spend a few hours with her drifting alongside. She has come to accept our attention, and for a while seemed to find us interesting curiosities. Nowadays she appears to live-and-let-live, generally giving cruses only a cursory inspection before returning to her own drifting.

As a Cloud-whale, Madam Fulminance subsists entirely on the local reed-ducks and kidgerees, as well as the floating seed-pods of the puff-grass weed that dominates the region. It is estimated she eats over seven tons food a day, and were the Nevvaran Conference not covered with puff-grass, she would likely have to move on to find richer climates.

Most cruises will have strict regulations regarding food and beverages when traveling with Madam Fulminance, so please note and follow all listed restrictions. Above all, do not use any air-horns or other loud devices while traveling with Madam Fulminance, as all Cloud-whales are very sensitive to noise.

Things to Do at Dock

Teiwein

Teiwein is always one of the first stops on any cruise of the Mirrored Clouds, if not the first. Situated atop Mt. Hollow, Teiwein was once an isolated society, hemmed in by a ring of impassible mountain peaks. Now, several generations after its discovery and integration, Teiwein is a city largely devoted to tourism. Most cruises spend a full day here while supplying for the long trip through Cumulus Alley, which is unfortunately not enough time to experience most of what Teiwein has to offer.

Almost any street you walk down will have music, food, clothing, or any other kind of tourist attraction you wish to see; so my advice is to first find a Platave. Plataves are a kind of all-in-one performance venue, which provides a performance, a meal, and souvenirs, all for a reasonable price. After paying your fee at the door, you will be ushered into a performance room, somewhat similar to a variety stage or theatrical lounge. You will be offered small plates of food or drinks between each performance, and may stay as long as you wish, though some plataves have hourly rates, rather than flat fees. Giving a small token to your guest is an old Teiwein tradition, so When you leave you will be shown an array of fot’i nuu, or “guest’s gifts” for you to select from, as a thank you for coming.

Youi’s Hut is my platave of choice, largely because they operate out of an old temple that once housed a shrine to their mountain deities — a fact they integrate into their performances.

Make sure you sample some of the local food. Teiwein cuisine has mostly remained un-changed after the city’s connection with the outside world, largely because the climate and available land prevent certain kinds of agriculture. Meat, honey, milk, mushrooms, mountain berries, a wide variety of legumes, and winter-grain are their staple ingredients. High-heat cooking along with a lot of fermentation provides the flavor. Introduction to the wider world resulted in a wider variety of cooking techniques, but most of the city’s food is traditionally made, filling, and delicious.

Outer Minora Peak

More of a rest-stop than a tourist venue, Outer Minora Peak is a small agricultural town on the slopes of Len-sii mountain. With a broad expanse of arable and fertile land on a series of nearby plateaus, Outer Minora Peak is often called the Cornucopia of Flororenghashst, growing all varieties of grain, vegetables, and fruits.

Of the regular stops on Mirrored Clouds cruises, Outer Minora Peak has the most breathtaking vistas and beautiful scenery. On clear days, you can see all the way from the Egralpian sea to the eastern boarder of Flororenghashst. Looking down on flocks of birds and drifting clouds is one of the more awe-inspiring sights I’ve ever experienced, and the colorful quilt of flowers, trees, fields, and towns that unfolds beneath you is heart-stopping.

This makes Outer Minora Peak a wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs. I strongly recommend spending an hour or two at The Silver Teakettle Brewery to sample the local beer and wine while sitting outside and watching the sky sidle past you.

The Island of Keep

The Island of Keep is the only stop that is guaranteed on every cruise of the Mirrored Clouds, and for good reason. While most civilized people believe the city is built on top of a huge mountain, the locals maintain the city sits on the clouds themselves.

The Island of Keep is a massive aircraft held aloft by giant balloons, engines, and a large piece of stone from the Upside-down Storm of Durandar. The buildings are connected through rope ladders, bridges, and zip-lines, and the buildings are all built from thatch, wood, and other light materials. Each building is uniquely designed by the Central Ministry of Construction, which decides whether a new building will require additional balloons, wings, sails, or engines. They are then attached to the central vessel with rope and cloth. If a building becomes irreparably damaged or catches on fire, the building can be easily detached and dropped to the earth below, protecting the rest of the Island.

Different cruises stop off at the Island of Keep for a different number of days, so I’ve provided several lists of activities depending on the length of your stay:

Five Hours

The shortest amount of time you will stay at the Island of Keep is five hours for resupplying. Depending on when the tour lands, you have the following options:

If you arrive early enough, go to Ollgra’s Tea House for lunch
If later in the day, visit Horrigan’s Dining Establishement for dinner.
The Long Hut is a great place to spend an hour sky-gazing and sightseeing.
The best shopping can be done at the Central Plaza.

One Day

If you have a full day to spend, do all of the above options, as well as:

Take an Underworks Tour provided by the Engineering Guild of Keep, to see the engines and boiler rooms that keep the Island aloft.
See the Fineworks Badge, a mechanical marvel in the center of the Lower Plaza.
Learn the history of the Island at the Museum of Keep on the upper levels.
Visit some of the five Art Houses — house sized museums dedicated to a single local artist — dotted around the island.
In the evening, visit the Hall vi Dommb, a space that houses theatrical and musical performances akin to variety shows.

Two or More Days

Few cruises spend more than two days in dock, but if you happen to have the opportunity, you can fill the rest of your time in the Island of Keep with the following activities:

Eat at the Crumbling Wafer for breakfast.
Explore the Winding Garden, an impressive architectural feat in creating a vertical garden space.
Try your hand at cloud-surfing, a local sport that is a cross between hang gliding and bungee jumping. If you’re not experienced, there are training classes and simulations for an additional fee.
Cloud fishing is a sport akin to fishing, except for catching birds. It’s a difficult sport to master, so don’t expect to catch much if this is your first time.
Visit the Cresting Wave for dinner and dancing. Be sure to try their local wines.
If you have extra time, see more of any of the above!

Keeleemunch Ston

Often the last port on a cruise, Keeleemunch Ston has embraced its role as a tourist hotspot and farewell stop for the Nevvaran Conference. As such, Keeleemunch Ston is the place to make purchases of any souvenirs or memorabilia you neglected to buy during the cruise.

High Street Market is the place to make your purchases. It’s a busy place, so remember to be patient. I would suggest avoiding the market entirely if you are severely claustrophobic or have trouble with large groups of people. If you are able to tolerate the crowds, however, you will find an incredible bazaar, filled with the bounty of the region. Be sure to visit Dordal’s for one of the largest collections of perfumes in the world, and Reams if you have any kind of clothing need. Reams’s tailor is one of the finest in the business, and will be able to make a whole outfit for you in less than an hour, if you are fortunate enough to catch them when they aren’t busy.

When it comes to food, I heartily recommend the Leap of Faith restaurant on the southern cliff-edge. They have one of the largest menus I’ve ever seen, and cater to all dietary needs. They import ingredients and beverages from all over the Nevvaran Conference, and their team of master chefs and bartenders will concoct for you a meal well worth its sizable price tag.

For a cheaper meal, the Sun and Moon Diner is a great place to get a fried slice with hiena, or a sizable horn sandwich. Horn sandwiches are a specific regional dish, with a thick slice of fried potato covered with cheese and stiff egg custard between two different kinds of bread. Usually, a light seed-bread is paired with a darker ground nut-bread.

The Un fa Dado is a great place to spend a few hours. Situated on the eastern cliff-edge of Keeleemunch Ston, the Un fa Dado is full of exotic trees and flowers, as well as the Prim Dolomi, the famous statue by Ledan Pryse Emmeralk. Nowhere else in the world have I ever seen a statue that has managed to incorporate the local flora so completely in its design.

If you are in the mood for a show, stop by the Grand Bonswii Arena, which holds weekly competitions of Yokipuck, even in the off-season. The space is also rented out regularly for amateur games and exhibition matches of all kinds. The streets outside the arena are also the best place to find quality street food from local vendors.

Perhaps the best place for tourists is the Ston Zoo, one of the largest collections of local flora and fauna in the whole Nevvaran Conference. Unofficially, the Ston Zoo is where you can find all the things you didn’t see over your cruise, from animals in their exhibits to local cuisines at the food court and everything in-between. If you are traveling on a budget, taking the cheapest cruise you can afford and spending a day or two patronizing the Ston Zoo is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a month traveling across the entire Nevvaran Conference.